How does vitamin A work on the skin? The reason for the poor condition of the skin may be an insufficient amount of retinol. Where is vitamin A located? How best to take it? At the beginning, it is worth knowing that vitamins are organic compounds that are an essential component for the proper functioning of the entire body. We supply them with food so that they can later be synthesized in the cells of the body. Its deficiency can have serious health consequences.
What properties does vitamin A have?
Vitamin A, also known as retinol, belongs to the group of fat -soluble vitamins. In nature, it occurs in two forms. Firstly, as retinol available in foods of animal origin. Secondly, as provitamin alpha- and beta-carotene, which are found in yellow and green vegetables, and then the compounds are converted in the intestine into retinol. Vitamin A is not only good for the skin. Among other things, it is responsible for good vision, supports the regeneration of mucous membranes, and improves the body’s immunity. It also has an antioxidant effect and affects the proper development of bones and teeth.
What is the daily requirement for this vitamin in an adult? It is about 1 mg, while in children up to 10 years old – 0.6-0.8 mg. How to recognize its deficiency? At the beginning, there is dryness of the eyes, as well as difficult vision after dark, i.e. the so-called night blindness.
- https://www.wsfki.edu.pl/obowiazki-informacyjne-wynikajace-z-rodo/
- https://www.swiat-kobiet.eu/zalety-i-zastosowanie-plytek-drewnopodobnych/
- https://unagi.pl/badania-geotechniczne-kto-moze-to-zrobic/
Skin problems and vitamin A deficiency
Avitaminosis A can cause skin changes. In children who are deficient in vitamin A, the skin is markedly dry and scaly. However, in adults, it can cause excessive keratinization of the epidermis and hair follicles, as well as reduced sweating. The skin also becomes dry, wounds are more difficult to heal, and the hair turns gray prematurely. Vitamin A deficiency also contributes to the formation of wrinkles. In turn, beta-carotene, which is the starting product for the synthesis of this vitamin, can bind free radicals. Vitamin A and its artificial derivatives are considered one of the most effective anti-aging agents.
Cream with vitamin A makes the skin smoother and more elastic. It also minimizes discoloration. The vitamin increases the number of fibroblasts and also accelerates the production of collagen fibers in the connective tissue. It also has a regenerative function, especially in the case of severely dry skin. It soothes inflammation, reduces calluses, prevents skin damage caused by the sun.
Retinoids are also effective in the treatment of dermatological conditions, including: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, post-sun discoloration and acne. Therefore, retonoids can be divided into three categories, and in each of them the following medicinal preparations can be distinguished:
– 1st generation, i.e. non-aromatic retinoids, including: tretinoin, retinol, isotretinoin,
– 2nd generation, i.e. monoaromatic retinoids, including: acitretin, etretinat,
– 3rd generation, i.e. polyaromatic retinoids, including: adapalene, tazarotene.
What is the duration of preparations used externally? The minimum period of use is five weeks, but it can be extended up to several weeks. Pregnancy is a contraindication to use.
Which form of vitamin A to choose?
Pharmacy preparations for external use contain retinol. Creams and ointments with vitamin A are particularly useful in the case of problems with excessive keratinization of the epidermis, sunburn, frostbite and eczema. Preparations stimulate wound healing, regenerate scaly and dry skin. It is worth knowing that a deficiency of vitamin A causes a weaker functioning of the skin’s protective barrier.
Therefore, ointment with vitamin A should be in every first aid kit. Why? The ointment is great at relieving various inflammations, reduces the negative impact of external factors, promotes the regeneration of the epidermis. Effectively prevents damage to the epidermis and accelerates its regeneration.
What’s more, products containing vitamin A, which can be found in every pharmacy, are also increasingly used as cosmetics for face and body care. First of all, as an anti-wrinkle product with proven effect. What’s more, cosmetics for daily care can be enriched with a few drops of vitamin A and applied directly to the skin.
It can also be used in the form of a serum before applying the cream. The anti-wrinkle properties of retinol are confirmed by clinical trials, which is why it is widely used in face care.
Beta-carotene is also used in cosmetics to protect the skin against UVA damage. In addition to external application, vitamin A can be administered in the form of tablets. It complements the deficiencies of the body, and also effectively prevents and supports the treatment of diseases. Studies indicate that taking vitamin A in doses of 15 and 21 mg each day for 12 months is safe. Moreover, it is effective in the prevention of skin cancer. As you can see, taking vitamin A has many benefits. However, it remains crucial for the skin. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of its proper amount in the body.
